Analysis

Analysis

IASB: start planning now

September 2010

The IASB’s proposed new accounting standards aim for improved consistency and transparency. However, we should expect more volatility in insurers’ results, and the market will need time to adjust to the changes to income statements

Behind the curtain

September 2010

Criticised for failing to predict the banking crisis and for the simplicity of their financial strength models, has the illusion of power wielded by the rating agencies finally been broken?

A mixed bag

September 2010

Europe’s biggest reinsurers experienced both highs and lows in their recently announced first-half year results. Some saw profit fall, others posted a rise but they are all facing a second half of either further catastrophe losses or softening...

Gateway to Europe

July 2010

A move to Zurich is enabling more and more firms to hit the business their existing bases cannot reach. But despite the tax benefits and being a Solvency II-free zone, the move is not without its challenges. And a warm welcome from local...

Monty

July 2010

Our man on the inside ponders a change in career and a capital-obsessed one-eyed monster

Q&A with Eberhard Mueller

July 2010

Hannover Re’s chief risk officer and chief actuary reveals how his firm is getting ready for Solvency II

A return to form

July 2010

Fears of an active Atlantic storm season have temporarily slowed cat bond activity. But the outlook for the year remains bullish, thanks to the market’s strong value proposition of diversification and competitive pricing

Future bright for insurance – MAPFRE’s Martínez

7 June, 2010

Chairman praises industry’s performance during crisis

We are all crash dummies

June 2010

The current financial crisis tells us that risk management is vital for every bank and insurance company. Stress testing and scenario analysis will play a big part

The last straw

June 2010

Tough new tax measures from the IMF aim to catch insurers, even the most risk-averse reinsurers, in the same net as banks. As the industry lobbies next month’s G20 for exemption and urges government to water down the proposals, we ponder...

Rig disaster to cost $3.5bn?

June 2010

The Gulf of Mexico incident could force up prices for offshore energy liability insurance by as much as 200%, says Barclays Capital. We look at the reaction so far, and consider the pressure that the disaster is likely to place on the reinsurance...